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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 28504 has 20,180 residents and 8,297 households (average 2.34 persons per household). The median age is 45.2 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.1% male and 51.9% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (57.6%, lower than the state average of 62.2%) and Black or African American (32.4%, much higher than the state average of 20.5% and well above the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 6.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (20.5%) and national averages (12.4%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	20,180Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	20,325Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	21,513Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	166.6 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$50,650Source: Census ACS

Households:	8,297Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$124,500Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.34Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.13Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 28504 population estimates from 2011-2023, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	21,027	21,468	20,832	20,533	21,538	22,194	21,867	21,852	21,717	20,665	20,166	20,321	20,325
Decennial Census	21,642	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	20,180	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 45.2

Male Median Age: 43.7

Female Median Age: 46.8

Line chart for ZIP 28504 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	< 5	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85+
Male	474	546	710	635	584	550	488	478	520	567	619	736	688	710	551	369	266	213
Female	481	538	600	589	518	552	583	581	608	602	679	813	776	750	662	472	329	343
Total	955	1,084	1,310	1,224	1,102	1,102	1,071	1,059	1,128	1,169	1,298	1,549	1,464	1,460	1,213	841	595	556

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 28504. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	11,632	56.63%
Black:	6,533	31.81%
Hispanic:*	1,385	6.74%
Asian:	115	0.56%
American Indian:	79	0.38%
Hawaiian:	12	0.06%
Other:	783	3.81%
Total:	20,539	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 28504. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	9,704	48.09%	43.7 years
Females:	10,476	51.91%	46.8 years
Total:	20,180	100%	45.2 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 28504. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	19,267	94.79%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	78	0.38%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	431	2.12%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	549	4.82%
Total Population:	20,325	100%
Total Native Population:	19,345	95.18%
Total Foreign-born Population:	980	4.82%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2023, the Median household income is $50,650, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $5,567 (12.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,072. Family households earn a median of $71,885 versus $34,064 for nonfamily households (a difference of $37,821). By gender, male median income is $43,627 and female is $44,092, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $465 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 55.4%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 6.5%, which is far worse than the state rate (4.7%). The largest occupation group is Management (32.0%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 28504 from 2011-2023 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$45,083	$45,098	$43,778	$44,762	$43,399	$46,506	$47,275	$47,856	$49,578	$46,138	$45,962	$46,043	$50,650
Median Family Income	$55,291	$55,171	$52,022	$54,184	$53,759	$59,241	$61,692	$64,342	$62,514	$62,426	$61,431	$64,552	$71,885
Median NonFamily Income	$26,415	$26,649	$26,128	$24,134	$23,041	$24,826	$22,227	$24,269	$26,606	$28,933	$32,103	$32,203	$34,064
Median Male Income	$40,497	$39,254	$35,340	$40,338	$36,875	$38,472	$40,172	$41,837	$42,693	$44,528	$44,033	$40,912	$43,627
Median Female Income	$33,358	$32,687	$30,916	$31,319	$30,436	$32,463	$34,427	$34,813	$35,402	$32,358	$33,852	$38,586	$44,092

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 28504, city of Kinston, Lenoir County, state of North Carolina, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 28504, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	8,647	51.25%
Unemployed:	612	3.63%
Not In Labor Force:	7,614	45.13%
Total:	16,873	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	2,767	32.00%
Service:	2,070	23.94%
Sales and Office:	1,395	16.13%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	1,004	11.61%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	1,411	16.32%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	8,647	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2023, the median home value is $124,500, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $18,000 (16.90%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $14,800. The median gross rent is $905, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $219 (31.92%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $98. Of occupied housing, owners make up 61.92% (55.26% with a mortgage, 44.74% free-and-clear) and renters 38.08% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 7.85%, which is much lower than the state rate (13.05%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 28504, compared with Kinston, Lenoir County, state of North Carolina, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 28504 across years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$106,500	$109,300	$108,600	$106,900	$109,400	$109,700	$108,600	$107,200	$109,700	$108,000	$107,400	$117,800	$124,500

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 28504, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	64	1.95%
$500 to $999:	1,923	58.57%
$1,000 to $1,499:	848	25.83%
$1,500 to $1,999:	105	3.20%
$2,000 to $2,499:	0	0.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:	0	0.00%
$3,000 or more:	0	0.00%
No Rent:	343	10.45%
Total:	3,283	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 28504 over the years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$686	$696	$693	$719	$753	$775	$749	$804	$807	$736	$765	$850	$905

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 28504. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	2,950	34.22%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	2,388	27.70%
Renter Occupied:	3,283	38.08%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	8,621	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	8,621	92.15%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	734	7.85%
Total Housing Units:	9,355	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 28504. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	6,134	65.57%
Multi-Family Units:	1,571	16.79%
Other Units:	1,650	17.64%
Total Housing Units:	9,355	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 17.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 84.00%, which is markedly below the state rate (89.70%). The uninsured rate is 9.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 49.80%, which is notably higher than the state rate (35.40%). The share of people in poverty is 12.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), up 0.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.40 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (41.18%). College enrollment is 26.85%, which is on par with the state rate (27.10%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 28504, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	594	4.06%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	1,744	11.93%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	4,125	28.21%
Some college, no degree:	3,541	24.21%
Associate's degree:	2,044	13.98%
Bachelor's degree:	1,470	10.05%
Graduate or professional degree:	1,106	7.56%
Total:	14,624	100%
High school or higher:	12,286	84.01%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	2,576	17.61%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 28504. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	11,963	50.33%
Public Insurance:	9,902	41.66%
No Insurance:	1,906	8.02%
Total:	23,771	100%
Has Health Insurance:	21,865	91.98%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 28504 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2023. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	12.8%	12.3%	11.2%	11.3%	11.3%	11.7%	11.2%	14.5%	13.3%	11.7%	15.4%	13.8%	12.9%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	258	5.92%
Kindergarten:	121	2.77%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	1,796	41.18%
High school (grades 9-12):	1,015	23.27%
College or graduate school:	1,171	26.85%
Total:	4,361	100%
Early Childhood:	379	8.69%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	2,932	67.23%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Kinston, North Carolina
Counties:	Lenoir County[Primary] Jones County
Timezone:	Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:	8:22:04 PM
Population:	20,180 [See All]
Area Code:	252
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	35.2268, -77.6511
Land Area:	121.138 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/28504/zip-code-28504.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	9,194Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	631Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	9,777Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	7,988Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	48Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	454Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$176,250,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$684,817,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	14,490Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	Kinston, NCSource: Census
CBSA Number:	28820Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	54,917Source: Census
MSA:	Source: Census
Land Area:	121.138 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	0.645 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	03Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	7810.08 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	Source: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	3735920Source: Census
Place Name:	Kinston city; North CarolinaSource: Census

ZIP Code 28504 in Kinston, NC

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 28504

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28504

Sources & References